Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 1,849	$ 1,460	$ 2,345	$ 2,307
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,208)	1,601	663	(2,680)
Pension and other postretirement actuarial items, net of tax	241	(100)	373	129
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(967)	1,501	1,036	(2,551)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	882	2,961	3,381	(244)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19)	(16)	(3)	(29)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to VPG stockholders	$ 901	$ 2,977	$ 3,384	$ (215)